We immediately recognize prayer as an act of religious devotion. Many people do pray. People want to pray. But often, people don’t pray. They don’t see the good or value in it.

So, why should I pray? There are several reasons.

God’ Wants Us to Pray

Prayer is not something man has developed and designed. It’s not just a religious ritual that’s been around a long time and we assume that it works. Prayer is God’s idea and He’s very interested in our participation in it as a means of developing and maintaining a relationship with Him. Yes, there’s more to that relationship than just prayer, but it’s an important part of it.

God Hears Our Prayers

Prayer is not a meaningless, powerless exercise. We know that because God does hear our prayers. The only time God is not hearing our prayers is when we’re not listening to Him (Proverbs 28:9; Zechariah 7:13).

Jesus Prayed

Jesus prayed often (Mark 1:35). He obviously saw the great importance and benefit of engaging in prayer, even though He was God’s own Son. If Jesus needed to pray, we need it even more.

Jesus Taught Us to Pray

After observing Him in prayer, Jesus own disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. That’s exactly what He did (Luke 11:1). One of His parables was given “to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Following the teaching and example of Jesus means a person will pray.

Prayer is Effective

I know that not because everything I pray for happens just the way I pray it. Instead, I know it because that is the Bible’s assurance (James 5:16). Prayer is an act of fact of faith and faith pertains to things “hoped for” and “not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). I won’t always see the impact of my prayers, but visible validation is not necessary to know that prayer is effective.

Prayer is My Pipeline to God

Remember, God is God and I am His creation (Psalm 100:3). He is the potter and I am the clay (Isaiah 45:9). He’s provided this marvelous privilege of coming to Him. It is an amazing blessing to freely and frequently approach God in prayer. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

I should pray because I can…and because I need to…and because God wants me to.

God bless,

P.S. What are your thoughts about prayer and its value? Please go to the comments below and let us hear from you.